Vocational Training Program “Technology in Agriculture – Modern Technologies for the New Generation of Farmers”, aimed at developing skills to strengthen the agricultural sector with the generous support of SIPCAM S.A., is being implemented by the American Farm School and the Eugenides Foundation through the Lifelong Learning Centers of both organizations.
Participation is completely free of charge, with no indirect financial cost to participants; lasts 30 hours, and will take place from May 11, 2026, through June 7, 2026. The theoretical courses are conducted remotely via synchronous distance learning, while the practical courses are held at the facilities of the American Farm School and ELGO-Dimitra in Thessaloniki.
The training program is designed to equip participants with all the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge so that they can enter or advance their careers in the agricultural sector by utilizing the tools of modern precision agriculture.
Through a combination of theoretical training and hands-on practice, trainees become familiar with cutting-edge technologies such as smart greenhouses, remote sensing with drones, IoT systems for crop monitoring, automated irrigation, and digital farm management platforms.
The program’s goal is to provide an introduction to new technologies and to develop basic practical skills that combine knowledge of agricultural production with digital technology, thereby enhancing the productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness of agricultural businesses in this new era.
Upon completion of the program, participants will be able to:
- Understand the construction process of a modern greenhouse.
- Use modern technologies to monitor the greenhouse and field environments (IoT technology, drones, robotics).
- Apply the basic principles of hydroponics and precision agriculture.
- To utilize renewable energy sources and adopt sustainable production methods, contributing to the rational management of energy and the reduction of the impacts the product’s carbon footprint, on the environment.
Eligibility requirements:
- Young people who are currently engaged in or wish to engage in farming.
- Students of geotechnical sciences.
- Farmers who want to modernize their farming practices.
Upon completion of the program, a Certificate of Attendance is awarded.
Selection criteria:
- Relevance to the agricultural sector
Active professional farmer (40 points), student or graduate of agricultural sciences (20 points), no relevant background through education, professional status, or supporting documentation: 0 points
- Level of education
Bachelor's Degree in Geotechnical Engineering: 20 points, degree in another field: 10 points, secondary education: 5 points
- Digital skills (0 to 20 points)
Certified advanced-level computer skills with supporting documentation: 20 points; intermediate-level computer skills with supporting documentation: 10 points, basic level with corresponding documentation: 5 points, Lack of knowledge/documentation: 0 points
- Social criteria (0 to 20 points)
Unemployed / People with Disabilities / Large Families: 20 points (the scoring is not cumulative if more than one criterion applies)
Required Documents
- Application for Participation
- Copy of degree or diploma
Where applicable, the following are required, provided the conditions are met:
- Computer Proficiency Certificate
- Proof of professional activity (e.g., Form E9, social security status, or other relevant documents)/Student ID/Unemployment card
- Certificate of Marital Status / Disability Card
There are 15 positions available. Participants will be selected based on the total score each candidate earns.
In the event of a tie, priority will be given to:
(a) the greatest relevance to the agricultural sector, and
(b) the date the application was submitted (priority is given to the earlier submission, based on the date the application was filed).
Notice Regarding the Processing of Personal Data
Since the program is co-organized by the American Farm School and the Eugenides Foundation, the personal data you submit with your application will be shared and made available to both organizations for the purposes of evaluating and selecting participants, as well as implementing the program. This information is required for your participation in the event. If you are claiming social criteria for scoring, by submitting the relevant supporting documents, you expressly consent to the processing of this data solely for the purpose of your scoring. For detailed information regarding your rights, retention periods, and data processing practices, please refer to the American Farm School’s Privacy Policy, available by clicking here.
The deadline for submitting applications is April 26, 2026. For more information, please call 2310492850 or email lll@afs.edu.gr
Instructors:
- Dr. Georgios Dinas, Principal Researcher in Agricultural Engineering, ELGO-DIMITRA
- Ioannis Bakas, MSc, Agricultural Engineer, ELGO-DIMITRA
- Ioanna Hatzigeorgiou, Agronomist specializing in Plant Production (Hydroponics), ELGO-DEMETRA
- Maria Ravanis, MSc, Agronomist (Life Cycle Analysis), ELGO-DIMITRA
- Dr. Elias Kalfas, Agronomist (Crop Production), American Farm School
- Konstantinos Zoukidis, MSc, Agronomist and Soil Scientist, American Farm School
- Errikos Blioukas, Agricultural Technologist specializing in Crop Production, American Farm School